Operating a reel-to-reel system

ABSTRACT

A method for operating a reel-to-reel system of a storage device with a first reel, a second reel, a first motor and a second motor, the first motor drives the first reel and the second motor drives the second reel. The system transports a tape supplied by one of the two reels and taken up by the other reel. A tape velocity and tape tension between the first and reels, and a longitudinal displacement are determined. An estimated state vector depends on the tape velocity, tape tension and longitudinal displacement. A reference state vector depends on a predetermined reference tape velocity and a predetermined reference tape tension. A first control signal and a second control signal are generated dependent on the estimated state vector and the reference state vector. The first motor is controlled by the first control signal and the second motor is controlled by the second control signal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 09178555.0, filed 9 Dec. 2009, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and an apparatus for operating a reel-to-reel system of a storage device.

In “Modeling and Control System Design of Reel-to-Reel Tape Drives”, by Shiba P. Panda and Andrew P. Engelmann, Proceedings of the American Control Conference (May 8-10, 2002), tape drives are disclosed in data measurement and computer systems to be used as backup drives and instrument recorders. A tape drive comprises, for example, a supply reel, a take-up reel, a tape guidance system and a read/write head. Each reel is controlled through its own DC brushless motor and currents of the reels makeup the system inputs. The tape drive is controlled via a developed model of the tape drive system.

The IEEE document “Controller Development for a Prototype High-Speed Low-Tension Tape Transport” by Priyadarshee D. Mathur and William C. Messner, IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, Vol. 6, No. 4 (July 1998) describes that increasing storage densities on tape requires reduction of the magnetic coating thickness and very thin substrates are required to pack more tape in a given volume. High performance tape drives therefore must rely on high-speed and low-tension tape transports for ultra-thin media. In this context, regulation of tape speed and tape tension by controlling a torque applied to the supply reel and take-up reel is disclosed. Each reel is directly driven by a motor, and no capstan is used.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to embodiments of the invention, a method and a corresponding apparatus for operating a reel-to-reel system of a storage device is provided, comprising a first reel, a second reel, a first motor and a second motor. The first motor is operable to drive the first reel and the second motor is operable to drive the second reel. The reel-to-reel system is operable to transport a tape which is supplied by one of the two reels and which is taken up by the other of the two reels. A current tape velocity of the tape and a current tape tension of the tape between the first reel and the second reel and a current longitudinal displacement of the tape are determined. The longitudinal displacement represents a supplied length of the tape with respect to a predetermined reference point positioned between the first reel and the second reel. An estimated state vector is estimated dependent on the determined tape velocity and on the determined tape tension and on the determined longitudinal displacement. A reference state vector is determined dependent on a predetermined reference tape velocity and on a predetermined reference tape tension. A first control signal and a second control signal are determined dependent on the estimated state vector and on the determined reference state vector. The first motor is controlled by the first control signal and the second motor is controlled by the second control signal.

This may facilitate a reliable joint control of the tape velocity and the tape tension of the reel-to-reel system. Furthermore, this may be suitable for a realization of a MIMO (multiple input multiple output) control using information from multiple sensors. The estimated state vector may be associated to a full-order model which represents the reel-to-reel system with a predetermined number of state variables. In this context, the estimated state vector preferably comprises as many vector elements as number of state variables in the full-order model. In this way, the estimated state vector may represent a current internal state of the reel-to-reel system comprising predetermined vector elements, as for example, a particular linear tape velocity at the first and at the second reel and a particular linear tape velocity at the first and at the second reel. The estimated state vector may be estimated based on a Kalman estimator dependent on the determined tape velocity and on the determined tape tension and on the determined longitudinal displacement. In particular, the tape velocity may represent a velocity in tape movement direction from the supply reel to the take-up reel. Each of the first and second control signals may, by way of example, represent a motor current to control a torque of the particular motor.

According to an embodiment, a predetermined set of matrices is selected from a predetermined selection of matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement. The estimated state vector is estimated dependent on the selected set of matrices. The estimated state vector is preferably estimated dependent on the determined tape velocity and on the determined tape tension on the selected set of matrices which are selected dependent on the longitudinal displacement. By this, a noise variance of the reel-to-reel system is incorporated in the estimation of the estimated state vector, as radius and moment of inertia of the particular reel vary as the tape moves.

According to a further embodiment, predetermined matrices of the predetermined selection of matrices are selected dependent on the longitudinal displacement. At least one matrix of the predetermined set of matrices is interpolated based on the selected predetermined matrices. This may reduce a required storage capacity for storing the predetermined selection of matrices and still facilitates the estimation of the estimated state vector with incorporating the noise variance of the reel-to-reel system. The interpolation may, for example, be a linear interpolation.

According to a further embodiment, the estimated state vector is estimated dependent on the selected predetermined set of matrices in such a way that a number of vector elements of the estimated state vector is less than an order of a predetermined full-order model of the reel-to-reel system. In this context, the estimated state vector is associated to a reduced-order model of the reel-to-reel system and comprises a number of vector elements that is less than the number of state variables of the full-order model. This may reduce a complexity for controlling the reel-to-reel system.

According to a further embodiment, a controller matrix is selected from a predetermined selection of controller matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement. The first control signal and the second control signal are determined dependent on the selected controller matrix. In this way, the noise variance of the reel-to-reel system is incorporated in the determination of the first control signal and the second control signal. The particular controller matrix may by way of example be implemented as an optimum linear quadratic Gaussian controller matrix.

According to a further embodiment, predetermined matrices of a predetermined selection of controller matrices are selected dependent on the longitudinal displacement. A controller matrix is interpolated based on the selected predetermined matrices. The first control signal and the second control signal are determined dependent on the interpolated controller matrix. This may reduce a required storage capacity for storing the predetermined selection of controller matrices. The interpolation may, for example, be a linear interpolation.

According to a further embodiment, an input reference matrix is selected from a predetermined selection of input reference matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement. The reference state vector may be determined dependent on the selected input reference matrix. In this way, the noise variance of the reel-to-reel system may be incorporated in the determination of the first control signal and the second control signal. The reference state vector comprises the same number of vector elements as the estimated state vector.

According to a further embodiment, predetermined matrices of a predetermined selection of input reference matrices are selected dependent on the longitudinal displacement. An input reference matrix is interpolated based on the selected predetermined matrices. The reference state vector is determined dependent on the interpolated input reference matrix. This may reduce a required storage capacity for storing the predetermined selection of input reference matrices and still contributes to determining the first control signal and second control signal with incorporating the noise variance of the reel-to-reel system. The interpolation may for example be a linear interpolation.

According to a further embodiment, at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value of the tape is estimated dependent on the current tape velocity and on the current tape tension and on the current longitudinal displacement. The at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value represents at least one periodic tension disturbance of the tape. The first control signal and the second control signal are determined dependent on the at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value. By this, effects of eccentricities of at least one reel and/or other disturbances resulting in periodic tension disturbances can be incorporated in the control of the motors.

According to a further embodiment, a predetermined set of augmented matrices is selected from a predetermined selection of augmented matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement. The at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value and the estimated state vector are estimated dependent on the selected set of augmented matrices. The estimation of the at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value may typically require an augmented model of the reel-to-reel system which preferably makes use of the augmented matrices. This contributes to reliably estimating the estimated state vector and additionally the at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value. Furthermore, the noise variance of the reel-to-reel system is incorporated in the determination of the estimated state vector and the at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value.

According to a further embodiment, predetermined matrices of the predetermined selection of augmented matrices are selected dependent on the longitudinal displacement. At least one matrix of the predetermined set of augmented matrices is interpolated based on the selected predetermined matrices. This may reduce a required storage capacity for storing the predetermined selection of augmented matrices and still contributes to determining the estimated state vector and the at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value with incorporating the noise variance of the reel-to-reel system.

According to a further embodiment, tape velocity deviation is determined dependent on the difference between the current tape velocity and a predetermined nominal tape velocity, which is associated to the predetermined reference tape velocity. Tape tension deviation is determined dependent on a difference between the current tape tension and a predetermined nominal tape tension, which is associated to the predetermined reference tape tension. The tape velocity deviation and the tape tension deviation are integrated and a first and a second auxiliary control signal are determined dependent on the integration of the tape velocity deviation and the tape tension deviation. The first control signal is determined dependent on the first auxiliary control signal. The second control signal is determined dependent on the second auxiliary control signal. This contributes to incorporating a mismatch between the current tape velocity being dependent on the estimated state vector of the reel-to-reel system and the predetermined nominal tape velocity, and a mismatch between the current tape tension being dependent on the estimated state vector of the reel-to-reel system and the predetermined nominal tape tension. The nominal tape velocity correlates to the reference tape velocity in such a way, that both velocities are based on a first predetermined linear tape velocity at the first reel and on a second predetermined tape velocity at the second reel. The nominal tape tension correlates to the reference tape tension in such a way, that both tensions are based on a first predetermined linear tape displacement at the first reel and on a second predetermined tape displacement at the second reel. The tape velocity deviation and the tape tension deviation may be jointly integrated.

According to a further embodiment, predetermined integration coefficients are selected from a predetermined selection of integration coefficients dependent on the longitudinal displacement. The tape velocity deviation and the tape tension deviation are integrated dependent on the selected integration coefficients. This may enable the incorporation of the noise variance of the reel-to-reel system.

According to a further embodiment, predetermined coefficients of a predetermined selection of integration coefficients are selected dependent on the longitudinal displacement. Integration coefficients are interpolated based on the selected coefficients and the tape velocity deviation the tape tension deviation are integrated dependent on the interpolated integration coefficients. This may reduce a required storage capacity for storing the predetermined selection of integration coefficients. The interpolation may, for example, be a linear interpolation.

According to an embodiment of another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for operating a reel-to-reel system of a storage device with a first reel, a second reel, a first motor and a second motor, wherein the first motor is operable to drive the first reel and the second motor is operable to drive the second reel, wherein the reel-to-reel system is operable to transport a tape which is supplied by one of the two reels and which is taken up by the other of the two reels, wherein the apparatus comprises a measurement unit which is operable to determine a current tape velocity of the tape and a current tape tension of the tape between the first reel and the second reel and a current longitudinal displacement of the tape, wherein the longitudinal displacement represents a supplied length of the tape with respect to a predetermined reference point positioned between the first reel and the second reel, an estimator which is operable to estimate an estimated state vector dependent on the current tape velocity and the current tape tension and the current longitudinal displacement, an input reference unit which is operable to determine a reference state vector dependent on a predetermined reference tape velocity and a predetermined reference tape tension, a controller which is operable to determine a first control signal and a second control signal dependent on the estimated state vector and on the reference state vector, wherein the first motor is controlled via the first control signal and wherein the second motor is controlled via the second control signal.

According to an embodiment of another aspect of the invention there is provided a storage device comprising a reel-to-reel system with a first reel, a second reel, a first motor and a second motor, wherein the first motor is operable to drive the first reel and the second motor is operable to drive the second reel, wherein the reel-to-reel system is operable to transport a tape which is supplied by one of the two reels and which is taken up by the other of the two reels, wherein the storage device comprises an apparatus according to the above mentioned embodiment of the invention.

Any of the device features may be applied to the method aspect of the invention and vice versa. Advantages of the device features may apply to corresponding method features and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its embodiments will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary storage device with a reel-to-reel system, suitable for use in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a control system for the reel-to-reel system of FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of the control system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of the reel-to-reel system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 a is a graph illustrating reel moments of inertia versus longitudinal displacement;

FIG. 5 b is a graph illustrating reel radii behavior versus longitudinal displacement;

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating tape tension behavior versus longitudinal displacement;

FIG. 7 is series of four graph illustrating tape velocity and tension behavior versus time; and

FIG. 8 a and FIG. 8 b are a series of equations used in the description of the present embodiments.

Different figures may contain identical references, representing elements with similar or uniform content.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a reel-to-reel system RTR of a storage device SD that is used for storing data. The data are stored on a tape tp which is transported between a first reel RL1 and a second reel RL2 of the reel-to-reel system RTR. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first reel RL1 supplies the tape tp. The second reel RL2 takes up the tape tp. The first reel RL1 is driven by a first motor M1 and the second reel RL2 is driven by a second motor M2. In particular, a torque of the first motor M1 is controlled by a first control signal u₁(t_(m)) and a torque of the second motor M2 is controlled by a second control signal u₂(t_(m)). Each of the first and second motors M1, M2 may be a DC brushless motor. A tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) of the tape tp between the first reel RL1 and the second reel RL2 and a tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) (FIG. 4) of the tape tp, while moving from the first reel RL1 to the second reel RL2 and vice versa, may be controlled by providing the first control signal u₁(t_(m)) and the second control signal u₂(t_(m)) accordingly. The tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) may, by way of example, be in a range between about 2 and about 8 m/s (meters per second) and the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) may, by way of example, be in a range between about 0.75 and about 1.25 newtons (N).

In addition, a first sensor S1 may be associated to the first reel RL1 and a second sensor S2 may be associated to the second reel RL2. Each of the first and second sensor S1, S2 may by way of example comprise a Hall-sensor.

The storage device SD further comprises a head unit HU with a read/write head H to read data from the tape tp and respectively write data on the tape tp. The head H comprises multiple servo-readers each being operable to read prewritten servo-patterns from the tape tp and to provide corresponding servo-signals S_S, which represent the read servo-pattern.

The storage device SD may also comprise an analog-front-end-module AFE which may by way of example be operable to low-pass-filter and sample the servo-signals S_S and to provide the filtered and sampled servo-signals to a servo-channel unit SCU. The servo-channel unit SCU is by way of example operable to estimate the current tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) dependent on the filtered and sampled servo-signals. Furthermore, the servo-channel unit SCU may be operable to determine a longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)) of the tape tp and/or the current tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) dependent on the filtered servo-signals. The estimation of the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) may for example be based on Hooke's law. Thereby, an exemplary embodiment of a measurement unit which is operable to determine the current tape velocity ({circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m))) of the tape (tp) and the current tape tension ({circumflex over (T)}(t_(m))) of the tape (tp) between the first reel (RL1) and the second reel (RL2) and the current longitudinal displacement ({circumflex over (l)}(t_(m))) of the tape (tp) may be established. Alternatively or additionally, the reel-to-reel system RTR may comprise tape rollers RR with each comprising a tension sensor, as for example strain-gauge sensor. The rollers RR may, by way of example, be positioned with respect to the head H to enable a constant wrap angle independent of reel radii R1, R2 (FIG. 4). The tension sensors facilitate a direct determination of the current tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)).

A controller unit CU is associated with the reel-to-reel system RTR and may be a component of the storage device SD. The controller unit CU is operable to control the first motor M1 and the second motor M2, dependent on the determined tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) and the determined tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)). Alternatively or additionally, the controller unit CU may be operable to at least determine the current tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) and/or the current tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) dependent on sensor signals provided by the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2.

FIG. 2 shows a control system for operating the reel-to-reel system RTR. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a predetermined state vector x_(m) being associated to the reel-to-reel system RTR. The index m represents a specific point in time t_(m). The state vector x_(m) comprises multiple vector elements as shown in equation F0 in FIG. 8 a, as for example a first linear displacement x₁(t_(m)) and a first linear reel velocity {dot over (x)}₁(t_(m)) at the first reel RL1 and a second linear displacement x₂(t_(m)) and a second linear reel velocity {dot over (x)}₂(t_(m)) at the second reel RL2. The state vector x_(m) represents a current state, in particular an internal state, of the reel-to-reel system RTR. Contrary to FIG. 2, the state vector x_(m) and more precisely its vector elements are typically not directly derivable from the actual reel-to-reel system RTR. The state vector x_(m) in FIG. 2 is shown for the sake of completeness. The state vector x_(m) is preferably associated to a predetermined full-order model of the reel-to-reel system RTR.

The longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)) represents a supplied length of the tape tp passing a predetermined reference point between the first reel RL1 and the second reel RL2, as for example the head H. Each of the first and the second linear displacement x₁(t_(m)), x₂(t_(m)) correlates to the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)), where the first linear displacement x₁(t_(m)) is related to the first reel RL1 and the second linear displacement x₂(t_(m)) is related to the second reel RL2. Each of the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)) and the first and second linear displacement x₁(t_(m)), x₂(t_(m)) may comprise values in an exemplary range between a minimum value, as for example 0 meters (m), and a maximum value, as for example 600 m.

The control system is implemented as a state control of the reel-to-reel system RTR and is further described with help of a flow diagram in FIG. 3. The flow diagram (FIG. 3) may be implemented as a software program which is by way of example stored in a memory device associated to the controller unit CU and which is for example executed by an execution unit μC, as for example a microcontroller, being associated to the controller unit CU. The controller unit CU may also be identified as an apparatus for operating the reel-to-reel system RTR.

The execution of the program starts in a step S0. In a step S2 an estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) is estimated dependent on the beforehand determined tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) and tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) and longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). The estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) may be estimated in such a way that it is associated to the full-order model of the reel-to-reel system RTR. Hence, the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) is basically identical to the state vector x_(m) and its number of associated vector elements is identical to the number of vector elements of the state vector x_(m).

Alternatively, the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) may be estimated in such a way that it is associated to a predetermined reduced-order model of the reel-to-reel system RTR. In this context, the number of vector elements associated to the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) is typically less than the number of vector elements associated to the state vector x_(m) as illustrated in equations F0, F2 in FIG. 8 a.

The estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) may be estimated by using an estimator EST (FIG. 2) which implements a predetermined model of the reel-to-reel system RTR that is either the full-order model or the reduced-order model. The model of the reel-to-reel system RTR is derived from equations F4, F6 in FIG. 8 a.

The equations F4, F6 are based on the assumption that the tape tp can be modeled as a spring with a spring constant K_(T) in units [N/m] and a damper with a damper coefficient D_(T) in units [Ns/m] as depicted in FIG. 4. The second order differential equations F4, F6 are obtained by equating for each motor the change in angular momentum to the sum of torques. The equations F4, F6 consider a viscous friction coefficient β₁, β₂ for each motor M1, M2 in units [Nms] and a nondimensional Coulomb friction coefficient μ. The externally applied torque is expressed by a product of the particular control signal u₁(t_(m)), u₂(t_(m)) and the associated motor driver gain K₁, K₂ in units [Nm/A]. The first reel radius R1 is associated to the first reel RL1 and the second reel radius R2 is associated to the second reel RL2. A time dependency of both reel radii R1, R2 when moving the tape has been neglected in equations F4, F6, as dynamics of changes of both radii R1, R2 are much slower than dynamics of the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) and the tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)).

A first reel inertia J₁ of the first reel RL1 is expressed by equation F8 including a first motor inertia J_(1,motor) and a first clutch inertia J_(1,clutch). A second reel inertia J₂ of the second reel RL2 is expressed by equation F10 including a second motor inertia J_(2,motor) and a second clutch inertia J_(2,clutch). Furthermore, both reel inertias J₁, J₂ include a predetermined tape density ρ in units [Kg/m³] and a predetermined tape width wh in unit [m]. A radius R0 represents a radius of a particular empty reel as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The differential equations according to equations F4, F6 can be transformed into state space form which is expressed by equation F12 comprising an input vector u_(m) (equation F14), a system matrix F (F16) and an input matrix G (F18).

An output vector y_(m) (F20) is represented by the tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) and by the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) and is expressed in terms of the state vector x_(m) and an output matrix H. A measurement noise vector w_(m) represents a measurement noise. The system matrix F, the input matrix G and the output matrix H give a state space representation of the reel-to-reel system RTR and represent the full-order model of the reel-to-reel system RTR and can be identified as full-order matrices.

Alternatively, the reduced-order model of the reel-to-reel system RTR may be adopted for the estimator EST to reduce a complexity of the reel-to-reel system RTR for the further processing. In this context, by way of example, a balanced model reduction may be executed on the state space form in equation F12 beforehand to obtain a reduced-order system matrix Φ, a reduced-order input matrix Γ and a reduced-order output matrix Ξ which represent the reduced-order model of the reel-to-reel system RTR and which can be identified as reduced-order matrices.

The balanced model reduction may for example be used to obtain the reduced-order matrices and is based on a retainment of high energy states while low energy states are discarded. The balanced model reduction is obtained by observing Hankel singular values of the reel-to-reel system RTR, which provide a measure of the energy for each state. Hankel singular values are calculated as square roots of eigenvalues for a product of a controllability Gramian and an observability Gramian of the system. The observation of the Hankel singular values of the reel-to-reel system RTR suggests that an order of the model of the reel-to-reel system RTR can be reduced from for example four to three. The order of the model and the number of vector elements of the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) typically correlate to a predetermined number of state variables in the reel-to-reel system RTR, each associated with a property of storing energy, as for example the first and second reel RL1, RL2, each representing flywheel energy storage, and the tape tp itself, representing a spring energy storage.

This results in a dimension of the system matrix F, as for example 4×4 (F16), that is reduced compared to a dimension of the associated reduced-order system matrix Φ, as for example 3×3. Furthermore, the dimension of the input matrix G, as for example 4×2 in (F18), is reduced compared to the dimension of the associated reduced-order input matrix Γ, as for example 3×2. In addition, the dimension of the output matrix H, as for example 2×4 in (F20), is reduced compared to the dimensions of the associated reduced-order output matrix Ξ, as for example 2×3.

In step S2, the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) is, for example, estimated based on the reduced-order matrices without limiting the further description to the reduced-order model of the reel-to-reel system RTR.

The estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) may be based on Kalman estimation as shown in equations F22, F24 in FIG. 8 b. Equation F22 represents a measurement update for calculating the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m). Equation F24 represents a time update for calculating an intermediate state vector ξ _(m) which is used in the calculation of the measurement update. The time update and measurement update are calculated in turn. The index m represents a specific point in time t_(m) and an index m+1 represents a subsequent point in time t_(m+1). Without model reduction, the reduced-order matrices in equations F22, F24 are replaced by the associated full-order matrices. The gain matrix L(σ_(n) ², σ_(w) ²) represents a Kalman gain, which for example depends on a process noise variance σ_(n) ² of a process noise and of a measurement noise variance σ_(n) ² of the measurement noise.

The reduced-order matrices used for the estimation of the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) can be identified as a predetermined set of matrices. Prior to the estimation of the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) the predetermined set of matrices may be selected from a predetermined selection of matrices, in particular of reduced-order matrices, in step S2. The predetermined set of matrices is selected dependent on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). The predetermined selection of matrices is preferably stored in a storage memory of the storage device SD.

Alternatively or additionally, at least two matrices are selected from the predetermined selection of matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). At least one of the matrices of the predetermined set of matrices, in particular the reduced-order system matrix Φ and/or the reduced-order input matrix Γ and/or the reduced-order output matrix Ξ, may be interpolated based on the at least two selected matrices. The number of selected matrices correlates to the number of matrices of the predetermined set of matrices being interpolated.

The foregoing is also valid for an implemented full-order model of the reel-to-reel system RTR. In this case, the predetermined set of matrices is represented by the full-order matrices and the predetermined selection of matrices comprises full-order matrices.

By selecting and/or interpolating the particular matrix or matrices, the variance of the reel-to-reel system RTR due to the time varying radii R1, R2 when tape tp moves may be incorporated in the estimation of the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m). FIG. 5 a illustrates the variation of the reel inertia J1, J2 versus the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)) which result from the dependency of the reel radii R1, R2 on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)) as shown in FIG. 5 b. The larger the particular reel radius the larger is the associated reel inertia.

In step S4 a reference state vector ξ_(ref,m) is determined dependent on a predetermined reference tape velocity ν_(ref) and on a predetermined reference tape tension T_(ref). A difference state vector ξ_(diff,m) is determined as a difference of the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) and the reference state vector ξ_(ref,m). The reference state vector ξ_(ref,m) has the same order as the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m). An input reference unit NU is operable to calculate the input reference vector ξ_(ref,m) dependent on a predetermined input reference matrix N (FIG. 2).

The input reference matrix N may be selected from a predetermined selection of input reference matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). Alternatively or additionally, at least two matrices are selected from the predetermined selection of input reference matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). The input reference matrix N is interpolated based on the at least two selected matrices.

In step S6 the first control signal u₁(t_(m)) and the second control signal u₂(t_(m)) are calculated dependent on the difference state vector ξ_(diff,m). The calculation of both control signals u₁(t_(m)), u₂(t_(m)) may be executed by a controller CNT, which calculates both control signals u₁(t_(m)), u₂(t_(m)) based on a predetermined controller matrix K (FIG. 2). The controller matrix K may be an optimum quadratic Gaussian controller (LQG) matrix.

The controller matrix K may be selected from a predetermined selection of controller matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). Alternatively or additionally, at least two matrices are selected from the predetermined selection of controller matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). The controller matrix K is interpolated based on the at least two selected matrices.

Alternatively or additionally, the first and second control signal u₁(t_(m)), u₂(t_(m)) may be calculated by incorporating also a first auxiliary control signal u_(1,aux)(t_(m)) and/or a second auxiliary control signal u_(2,aux)(t_(m)) as illustrated in step S8. The first auxiliary control signal u_(1,aux)(t_(m)) may be added to a first output of the controller CNT which is associated to the first control signal u₁(t_(m)) (FIG. 2). The second auxiliary control signal u_(2,aux)(t_(m)) may be added to a second output of the controller CNT which is associated to the second control signal u₂(t_(m)) (FIG. 2). The first and second auxiliary control signal u_(1,aux)(t_(m)), u_(2,aux)(t_(m)) may be calculated by an integrator I (FIG. 2) based on a tape velocity deviation e_(v,m) and on a tape tension deviation e_(T,m). The tape velocity deviation e_(v,m) represents a difference between a predetermined nominal tape velocity ν_(nom) and the determined tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)). The tape tension deviation e_(T,m) represents a difference between a predetermined nominal tape tension T_(nom) and the determined tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)). The nominal tape velocity ν_(nom) correlates to the reference tape velocity ν_(ref) in such a way, that both velocities are based on a first predetermined linear tape velocity {dot over (x)}_(1,ref,m) at the first reel RL1 and on a second predetermined tape velocity {dot over (x)}_(2,ref,m) at the second reel RL2 as illustrated in equation F26. The nominal tape tension T_(nom) correlates to the reference tape tension T_(ref) in such a way, that both tensions are based on a first predetermined linear tape displacement x_(1,ref,m) at the first reel RL1 and on a second predetermined tape displacement x_(2,ref,m) at the second reel RL2 as illustrated in equation F28.

A two-dimensional integrator output vector u_(int,m) of the integrator I is, for example, given in equation F30. A subsequent vector σ_(m+1) is recursively obtained by integrating the tape velocity deviation e_(v,m) and the tape tension deviation e_(T,m) as shown in equation F32. The vector σ_(m) is multiplied with integrator matrix ℑ which includes predetermined integration constants α₁, β₁, γ₁, δ₁. The integration constants γ₁, δ₁ are preferably obtained from the constants α₁, β₁, as for example γ₁=−β₁, and δ₁=α₁, as shown in equation F30.

Prior to the estimation of the first and second auxiliary control signal u_(1,aux)(t_(m)), u_(2,aux)(t_(m)) the integration coefficients α₁, β₁ may be selected from a predetermined selection of integration coefficients dependent on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). The tape velocity deviation e_(v,m) and/or the tape tension deviation e_(T,m) is then integrated dependent on the selected integration coefficients α₁, β₁. Alternatively or additionally, the integration coefficients α₁, β₁ may be interpolated based on integration coefficients being selected from the predetermined selection of integration coefficients beforehand.

Alternatively or additionally, the determination of the first and second control signal u₁(t_(m)), u₂(t_(m)) may incorporate at least one estimated input equivalent tension disturbance value {circumflex over (η)}(t_(m)) as illustrated in step S10.

As shown in FIG. 2, periodic tension disturbances η(t_(m)) may disturb the behavior of the reel-to-reel system RTR. The periodic tension disturbance η(t_(m)) represents a variation of the tape tension. In a steady state velocity mode, variations of the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) around the nominal tape tension T_(nom) are induced by for example eccentricities of at least one reel. In tape transport, this problem is particularly serious when reel rotation frequencies are near a resonance frequency determined by the tape path. The periodic tension disturbance η(t_(m)) may affect a position error signal and hence a performance of track following servo.

A suppression of the at least one periodic tension disturbance η(t_(m)) is obtained by augmenting the particular model of the reel-to-reel system RTR in the estimator EST with a model of sinusoidal disturbances which is represented by a disturbance vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(d,m) (F34, F36 in FIG. 8 b). Modeling of the sinusoidal disturbances is obtained by assuming that an i-th sinusoidal disturbance having a frequency ω₁ is modeled in continuous time as expressed in equation F38 in FIG. 8 b.

In equation F34, a first model matrix Φ has preferably a dimension of 2n×2n, and a second model matrix H_(d) has for example a dimension of 1×2n, where n represents a number of sinusoidal disturbances. For example, if only the first reel RL1 exhibits eccentricities, the number of sinusoidal disturbances n will be set to 1. In this case the first model matrix Φ_(d) has the dimension 2×2 (F40) and the second model matrix H_(d) has the dimension 1×2 (F42). The number of sinusoidal disturbances n correlates to the number of sinusoidal disturbances. A gain factor g determines a convergence of the suppression of the sinusoidal disturbances.

The reduced-order system matrix Φ, the reduced-order input matrix Γ, the first model matrix Φ_(d) and the second model matrix H_(d) form an augmented system matrix Φ_(aug) (F34 in FIG. 8 b). The reduced-order input matrix Γ form an augmented input matrix Γ_(aug) (F34 in FIG. 8 b) and the reduced-order output matrix Ξ form an augmented output matrix H_(aug) (F36 in FIG. 8 b). The augmented system matrix Φ_(aug), the augmented input matrix Γ_(aug) and the augmented output matrix H_(aug) can be identified as augmented matrices.

Equation F34 in FIG. 8 b represents an augmented state space form. The output vector y_(m) includes the augmented output matrix H_(aug) (F36). If no model reduction is used, the augmented matrices may instead include the particular full-order matrices.

The augmented matrices used for the estimation of the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) can be identified as a predetermined set of augmented matrices. Prior to the estimation of the state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) and the disturbance vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(d,m) the predetermined set of augmented matrices may be selected from a predetermined selection of augmented matrices. The predetermined set of augmented matrices is selected dependent on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)).

Alternatively or additionally, at least two augmented matrices are selected from the predetermined selection of augmented matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). At least one of the augmented matrices of the predetermined set of augmented matrices, in particular the augmented system matrix Φ_(aug) and/or the augmented input matrix Γ_(aug) and/or the augmented output matrix H_(aug), may be interpolated based on the at least two selected augmented matrices. The number of selected augmented matrices correlates to the number of matrices of the predetermined set of matrices being interpolated.

As denoted in step S2, the estimation, in particular the Kalman estimation, of the estimator EST is augmented to also estimate the disturbance vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(d,m) in parallel to the estimation of the estimated state vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) (F44, F46). Equation F44 represents the augmented measurement update and equation F46 represents the augmented time update of the Kalman estimation processed in the estimator EST. The estimation in equations F44, F46 is based on the reduced-order matrices and includes an augmented gain matrix L_(aug) (σ_(n) ², σ_(w) ²). If no model reduction is implemented, the augmented matrices may instead include the particular full-order matrices as already described in terms of the augmented state space form in equation F34, F36.

Based on the estimated disturbance vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(d,m) the at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value {circumflex over (η)}(t_(m)) can be calculated. If the number of sinusoidal disturbances n equals 1, the input equivalent tension disturbance value {circumflex over (η)}(t_(m)) is calculated according to equation F48. In this case, the input equivalent tension disturbance value {circumflex over (η)}(t_(m)) represents a result of a scalar product of the disturbance vector {circumflex over (ξ)}_(d,m) with the second model matrix H_(d) of equation F42 representing a row vector. For a number of sinusoidal disturbances n larger than 1, the input equivalent tension disturbance value {circumflex over (η)}(t_(m)) that is obtained from the estimator is a scalar value, as it represents the total contribution of the number of sinusoidal disturbances n (F50).

In step S12 the determined first control signal u₁(t_(m)) is provided to the first motor M₁ and the determined second control signal u₂(t_(m)) is provided to the second motor M₂. The execution of the software program stops in step S14. Preferably, the program execution restarts in step S2.

The particular interpolations of the matrices named herein may for example be a linear interpolation.

FIG. 6 shows the behavior of the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) versus the longitudinal displacement {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). The nominal tape tension T_(nom) is set to a predetermined value, for example 1 N. An upper plot represents a course of the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) being controlled according to an embodiment of the invention. A bottom plot represents a course of tension being not controlled according to embodiments of the invention. As depicted in the upper plot the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) varies about the nominal tape tension T_(nom) but do not involve a drift with increasing longitudinal displacement values {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)). The bottom plot involves a tension offset and a drift towards decreasing tape tension value with increasing longitudinal displacement values {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)).

FIG. 7 depicts four diagrams. The upper diagram on the left side shows a course of the tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) versus the time t_(m). The course of the tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) is for example predetermined by the corresponding prescribed reference tape velocity ν_(ref). The reference tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}_(ref) prescribes for example a course of the tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) ramping up from the point of time t0 to t1. The tape velocity {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) stays constant between the point of time t1 to t2 and ramps down between the points of time t2 to t4. In the point of time t3 the tape transport direction reverses.

The bottom diagram on the left side shows the resulting course of the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) versus the time t_(m) based on the prescribed reference tape velocity ν_(ref) shown in the upper diagram on the left side. The nominal tape tension T_(nom) is predetermined to, for example, 1 N. The course of the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) shows overshoots and undershoots and results from matrix parameters of the matrices used in the estimator EST, which do not properly match the matrix parameters of the actual reel-to-reel system RTR.

The upper diagram of the right side correlates to the illustration of the left diagram on the left side except that the course of the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) shows no overshoots and undershoots and results from matrix parameters of the matrices used in the estimator EST which do match the matrix parameters of the actual reel-to-reel system RTR.

Compared to the upper diagram on the right side, the bottom diagram of the right side shows a more reduced variance of the tape tension {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) versus the time t_(m). This results from the additional suppression of periodic disturbances η(t_(m)).

Although the invention has been described through some exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is apparent that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is intended to cover these modifications and variations provided that they fall in the scope of protection defined by the following claims or their equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCES

-   {circumflex over (ν)}(t_(m)) tape velocity -   {circumflex over (T)}(t_(m)) tape tension -   {circumflex over (l)}(t_(m)) longitudinal displacement -   {circumflex over (ξ)}_(m) estimated state vector -   ξ_(diff,m) difference state vector -   ξ_(ref,m) reference state vector -   {dot over (x)}₁(t_(m)) first linear reel velocity -   {dot over (x)}₂(t_(m)) second linear reel velocity -   σ_(w) ² variance of the measurement noise -   σ_(n) ² variance of a process noise -   {dot over (x)}_(1,ref,m) first reference linear tape velocity -   {dot over (x)}_(2,ref,m) second reference linear tape velocity -   u_(int,m) output vector of integrator -   T_(nom) nominal tape tension -   T_(ref) reference tape tension -   u₁(t_(m)) first control signal -   u_(1,aux)(t_(m)) first auxiliary control signal -   u₂(t_(m)) second control signal -   u_(2,aux)(t_(m)) second auxiliary control signal -   ν_(nom) nominal tape velocity -   ν_(ref) reference tape velocity -   x_(1,ref,m) first reference linear tape displacement -   x_(2,ref,m) second reference linear tape displacement -   ℑ integration matrix -   {circumflex over (η)}(t_(m)) input equivalent tension disturbance     value -   {circumflex over (η)}_(m) input equivalent tension disturbance     vector -   η(t_(m)) periodic tension disturbance -   ω_(i) frequency of sinusoidal disturbance -   {circumflex over (ξ)}_(d,m) disturbance vector -   ξ _(m) intermediate state vector -   Φ reduced-order system matrix -   Γ reduced-order input matrix -   Ξ reduced-order output matrix -   L(σ_(n) ², σ_(w) ²) gain matrix -   α₁, β₁, γ₁, δ₁ integration coefficients -   J_(1,clutch), J_(2,clutch) inertia of clutch -   J_(1,motor), J_(2,motor) inertia of motor -   AFE analog-front-end-module -   CNT controller -   CU controller unit -   D_(T) damper coefficient -   EST estimator -   e_(T,m) tape tension deviation -   e_(v,m) tape velocity deviation -   F system matrix -   F, G, H full-order matrices -   g gain factor -   G input matrix -   H head -   H output matrix -   HU head unit -   I integrator -   J₁ first reel inertia -   J₂ second reel inertia -   K controller matrix -   K₁ driver gain of first motor -   K₂ driver gain of second motor -   K_(T) spring constant -   M1 first motor -   M2 second motor -   N input reference matrix -   n number of sinusoidal disturbances -   NU input reference unit -   R0 radius of empty reel -   R1 radius of first reel -   R2 radius of second reel -   RL1 first reel -   RL2 second reel -   RR tape rollers -   RTR reel-to-reel system -   S_S servo-signals -   S1 first sensor -   S2 second sensor -   SCU servo-channel unit -   SD storage device -   tp tape -   μC execution unit -   u_(m) input vector -   wh tape width -   w_(m) measurement noise vector -   x₁(t_(m)) first linear displacement -   x₂(t_(m)) second linear displacement -   x_(m) state vector -   y_(m) output vector -   β₁, β₂ viscous friction coefficient -   μ Coulomb friction coefficient -   ρ tape density -   Φ, Γ, Ξ reduced-order matrices -   Φ_(aug), Γ_(aug), H_(aug) augmented matrices -   Φ_(d), H_(d) model matrices 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a reel-to-reel system of a storage device having a first reel, a second reel, a first motor and a second motor, wherein the first motor is operable to drive the first reel and the second motor is operable to drive the second reel, and wherein the reel-to-reel system (RTR) is operable to transport a tape which is supplied by one of the first and second reels, and which is taken up by the other of the first and second reels, the method comprising: determining a tape velocity of the tape and a tape tension of the tape between the first reel and the second reel, and determining a longitudinal displacement of the tape, wherein the longitudinal displacement represents a supplied length of the tape with respect to a predetermined reference point positioned between the first reel and the second reel; estimating an estimated state vector based on the tape velocity, tape tension and longitudinal displacement; determining a reference state vector based on a predetermined reference tape velocity and on a predetermined reference tape tension; generating a first control signal and a second control signal based on the estimated state vector and the reference state vector; and using the first control signal to control the first motor and the second control signal to control the second motor.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting a predetermined set of matrices from a predetermined selection of matrices dependent on the longitudinal displacement; and estimating the estimated state vector based on the selected set of matrices.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the predetermined matrices of the predetermined selection of matrices are selected based on the longitudinal displacement, and at least one matrix of the predetermined set of matrices is interpolated based on the selected predetermined matrices.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the estimated state vector is estimated based on the selected predetermined set of matrices such that a number of vector elements of the estimated state vector is less than an order of a predetermined full-order model of the reel-to-reel system.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting a controller matrix from a predetermined selection of controller matrices based on the longitudinal displacement; and determining the first control signal and the second control signal based on the selected controller matrix.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting predetermined matrices of a predetermined selection of controller matrices based on the longitudinal displacement; interpolating a controller matrix based on the selected predetermined matrices; and generating the first control signal and the second control signal based on the interpolated controller matrix.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting an input reference matrix from a predetermined selection of input reference matrices based on the longitudinal displacement; and determining the reference state vector dependent on the selected input reference matrix.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting predetermined matrices of a predetermined selection of input reference matrices based on the longitudinal displacement; interpolating an input reference matrix based on the selected predetermined matrices; and determining the reference state vector based on the interpolated input reference matrix.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: estimating at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value of the tape based on the tape velocity, the tape tension, and the current longitudinal displacement, wherein the at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value represents at least one periodic tension disturbance of the tape; and generating the first control signal and the second control signal based on the at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting a predetermined set of augmented matrices from a predetermined selection of augmented matrices based on the longitudinal displacement; and estimating the at least one input equivalent tension disturbance value and the estimated state vector based on the selected set of augmented matrices.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: selecting predetermined matrices of the predetermined selection of augmented matrices based on the longitudinal displacement; and interpolating at least one matrix of the predetermined set of augmented matrices based on the selected predetermined matrices.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a tape velocity deviation based on a difference between the tape velocity and a predetermined nominal tape velocity, which is associated with the predetermined reference tape velocity; determining a tape tension deviation (based on a difference between the tape tension and a predetermined nominal tape tension, which is associated with the predetermined reference tape tension; integrating the tape velocity deviation and the tape tension deviation; generating a first auxiliary control signal and a second auxiliary control signal based on the integration of the tape velocity deviation and the tape tension deviation; generating the first control signal based on the first auxiliary control signal; and generating the second control signal based on the second auxiliary control signal.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: selecting predetermined integration coefficients from a predetermined selection of integration coefficients based on the longitudinal displacement; and integrating the tape velocity deviation and the tape tension deviation based on the selected integration coefficients.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: selecting predetermined coefficients of a predetermined selection of integration coefficients based on the longitudinal displacement; interpolating integration coefficients based on the selected coefficients; and integrating the tape velocity deviation and the tape tension deviation based on the interpolated integration coefficients. 